ISL clubs urge AIFF to act: Prepare to approach Supreme Court independently

11 top division clubs write to AIFF for swift intervention

The uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season has reached a critical point. This week, ISL clubs formally wrote to All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, urging him to intervene in the ongoing Supreme Court case that has effectively frozen decision-making in Indian football.

This fresh appeal follows the meeting on August 7 in Delhi, where AIFF, club CEOs, and Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL) sat across the table for the first time in years. Now, the clubs want the AIFF to act in court, not just administratively, before the damage becomes irreversible.

The joint letter has been signed by 11 ISL clubs, with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal not included in this representation.

“We respectfully urge the AIFF, in its capacity as the statutory regulator of football in India and the principal party to the proceedings, to urgently bring the current situation to the attention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” reads the joint letter from the 11 ISL clubs.

“We are, in fact, somewhat surprised that the matter has not already been brought to the Court’s attention, given its gravity and implications for the sport.”

Also Read: AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey reaffirms ISL 2025-26; confirms Super Cup to take place before league

“ISL clubs have been weighing the option of moving the Supreme Court over the past 10 days. With this latest development, they could approach the apex court as early as next week,” a source tracking the matter told Khel Now.

“Frozen” football: What’s holding up the season?

At the heart of the issue is the Supreme Court’s oral directive that no major decisions should be taken until final orders are passed in the AIFF Draft Constitution case. While that hearing drags on, Indian football is stuck in limbo. Clubs can’t plan or invest. The league remains unscheduled. Youth academies are inactive.

To make matters worse, the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and FSDL is set to expire in December 2025. Negotiations to renew or restructure it have stalled. In short, nobody knows who will run or fund the ISL in 2025–26.

Teams like Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and Chennaiyin FC have already halted their first team operations and paused salaries.

Clubs prepared to move to Supreme Court themselves

The clubs have made it clear that they’re willing to support the AIFF legally, but if the federation doesn’t act soon, they’ll go to court on their own.

“Based on legal advice, the ISL clubs are preparing to independently approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for relief. However, given that the clubs are not formal parties to the current proceedings, this may not be the most efficient or effective route to resolve the situation. Accordingly, it is in the best interest of all concerned that the AIFF, as the main party and regulator, takes immediate initiative in this regard,” the letter continues.

Clubs believe the regulator’s inaction is no longer tenable and want the matter mentioned for urgent listing before the court so that the new season can proceed.

“Should the AIFF choose not to act, we reiterate that the ISL clubs will have no option but to seek judicial recourse independently, to protect the integrity of the League and the interests of the sport,” the letter concluded

AIFF president assures Super Cup, league will happen

During the August 7 meeting, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey gave clubs his assurance that both the Super Cup and ISL would proceed. He said the cup competition would take place first, possibly in a leaner format to reduce expenses.

“It has been decided that both the Super Cup and the league will be held, with the Super Cup preceding the league… If we do not complete the league by May 31, we lose the AFC window, and our ranking could drop,” he said.

However, many clubs aren’t convinced. With budgets stretched and operations on hold, spending on a short tournament at a neutral venue, with no clarity on the league, feels like a risky move.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee unconvinced about Super Cup without clarity on ISL future

“We need the league sorted first”

Clubs argue that the ISL calendar must be finalised first. Only then can they plan rosters, approach sponsors, and engage fans. Until that happens, enthusiasm for the Super Cup remains lukewarm.

The bigger picture remains unchanged: the entire Indian football ecosystem, players, staff, broadcasters, and fans are waiting for clarity. The clubs have made their move. The next one is AIFF’s to make.

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